Rhinophyma is a slowly progressive condition in which the skin of the nose becomes thickened, oily and enlarged, often with prominent pores and a knobbly, bulbous shape. It is widely understood to represent the late, phymatous stage of rosacea, though it can develop in people who have never had obvious flushing or spots. Men in their middle and later years are most commonly affected, but it can occur in women too.

While rhinophyma is not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable, alter the shape of the nose, and in more advanced cases interfere with breathing. Many people also find that it changes how they feel about their appearance, leading them to seek treatment after years of trying creams and tablets that have helped the redness but not the thickening.

Surgical reshaping aims to remove the excess overgrown tissue and recontour the nose so that it looks and feels more like it used to. Techniques may include electrosurgical decortication, CO2 laser, dermabrasion, or careful tangential excision, often used in combination. The underlying healthy skin then heals over the reshaped surface.

The benefits of this procedure include:

• Helps restore a more natural shape and contour to the nose.
• Can improve nasal airflow when overgrown tissue has narrowed the airway.
• Reduces the appearance of prominent pores, lumps and irregular surface texture.
• Often makes long-term skincare for rosacea easier to manage.
• Most patients find it has a positive effect on confidence and how they feel in photographs.
• Performed by a consultant plastic surgeon in a CQC-registered private hospital.